Editor's Viewpoint: Abortion battle no excuse for defacing of churches

Editor's Viewpoint: Abortion battle no excuse for defacing of churches

BelfastTelegraph.co.uk

There is no doubt that any debate on abortion in any part of Ireland is an emotive issue, but that does not excuse the defacing of two Catholic places of worship - a cathedral in Armagh and a church in Tyrone - by graffiti opposing Sinn Fein's stance supporting a liberalisation of the current legislation in the Republic.

There is no doubt that any debate on abortion in any part of Ireland is an emotive issue, but that does not excuse the defacing of two Catholic places of worship - a cathedral in Armagh and a church in Tyrone - by graffiti opposing Sinn Fein's stance supporting a liberalisation of the current legislation in the Republic.

Churches of all denominations have been attacked regularly over the years, but that has not stopped the institutions working together and playing important roles in finally bringing peace to Northern Ireland. Churches are places of sanctuary and sanctity and should be respected as such by people of all faiths and none.